Jeffco teachers take to the Capitol in hopes of better education funding

Colorado currently ranks 42nd in the nation in per pupil funding

Kendrick Lakes Elementary School teacher Danielle Bayert says she is tired of the teacher pay freeze and poor learning and working conditions at her school.

Shanna Fortier

Jefferson County teacher Karrie Wallis, was one of thousands to protest at the state capitol April 26. “The essence of American democracy really relies on our education,” Wallis said.

Shanna Fortier

The Jeffco teacher protest was held on the same day as a protest by Douglas County teachers.

Shanna Fortier

Jennifer Ripper leads a chant at the Jeffco teacher protest at the capitol.

Shanna Fortier

Kristin Miller, a Jeffco teacher in Lakewood, said she was protesting because “students need better funding.” As a music teacher, Miller said instruments at her school are 50 years old and in need of repairs the school can’t afford.

Shanna Fortier

State Representative Jessie Danielson told educators protesting at the capitol April 26, “We're inside and we’re listening to you. We value what you do for Jefferson County and the whole state.”

Shanna Fortier

Teachers spoke our about education funding as well as a GOP bill proposing jail time for teachers who strike.

Shanna Fortier

Colorado ranks 42nd in per-pupil funding — one of the reasons educators took to the capitol.

Shanna Fortier

With the day off from school, students also joined alongside teachers at the capitol.

Shanna Fortier

Thousands of educators from Jefferson and Douglas counties descended on the capitol April 26 to rally for better funding for public education in Colorado.

Shanna Fortier

Colorado Governor candidate Cary Kennedy stood on the steps of the state capitol April 26 and told educators, “Your voice matters. Your union matters ... We need to give you a raise.”

Shanna Fortier

The Colorado State Capitol was met by thousands of educators April 26, seeking better funding for public education.

Thousands of educators from Jefferson and Douglas counties descended on the state capitol April 26 to demand better funding for public education in the state of Colorado.

“I am fed up with living paycheck to paycheck,” Rhiannon Wenning teacher at Jefferson Junior/Senior High said while standing on the steps of the capitol building. “I am fed up that my students don't have the resources they need to be successful. I am fed up with the attacks on our profession and public schools. And I am honored to stand in solidarity with all of you. To stand up for our kids and demand the schools our students deserve.”

The educators, dressed in red, chanting “you have left me no choice, now I use my teacher voice,” joined the hundreds who have already lobbied at the Colorado State Capitol this month pressuring lawmakers to address education funding and protect the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA).

In Jefferson County, the number of teachers that called in to take the day off was great enough to close schools for the day.

Over the past several months, school superintendents across Colorado have been working in partnership with school boards and community groups to call attention to the dire public school funding issues in the state.

Colorado currently ranks 42nd in the nation in per pupil funding, approximately $2,500 per student less than the national average.

The letter also lays out some statistics, including that 95 percent of teacher salaries are below the standard of living in rural Colorado and that there is close to $18 billion dollars in school construction needs across the state.

“Our teachers' voices deserve to be heard in the fight for fair and equitable state funding,” the letter reads. “We honor our teachers, and all of the educators who serve our students and our communities each day. As they take action over the next several days, and into the future, we urge parents and all concerned Coloradans to contact state legislators to ask them to increase funding for K-12 education in Colorado.”

On the steps of the capitol building the morning of April 26, Colorado Governor candidate Cary Kennedy — endorsed by the Colorado Education Association — told educators that their voice matters.

“We need to give teachers and educators a raise and the professional pay that you deserve,” Kennedy said. “We need to reward you and compensate you for your skill and your experience and you commitment to supporting all of our kids. We need to give you the retirements security you have earned. We need to give you the support and resources so that you can support your kids' learning. So that you can give them the opportunity and inspire in them a love of learning.”

Wenning also spoke about the lack of resources.

“We have great public schools in Colorado, but in too many communities they are not given the resources they need for their students to be successful,” she said. “This has created haves and have-nots among our children and that is not right. Today we are here to send our message loud and clear to the Colorado legislature, to the voters, to our cities and towns, and to our entire community that we do not have enough money for our schools and that needs to change now.”